September Blues

Stressful September

A third of adults in Ireland say they feel stressed in September and this in reflected in the 7% drop in mood that is experienced between August and September. This negativity stems from the turn in weather and the shorter, darker days for 79% of respondents to an Amárach survey for Aer Lingus, whilst 41% said the end of summer was the cause of them feeling blue.

To counteract the doom and gloom, more than 1 in 5 Irish adults (22%) are planning an autumn/winter getaway to break up the tedious months ahead (27%) and to avoid the bad weather at home (26%). 1 in 10 say they would consider a trip abroad at this time of year to bust stress and relax.

Something to look forward to

The joy of anticipation is something that Irish adults are keen to capitalise on with 6 in 10 saying it is important to have something to look forward to once summer has ended. A holiday appears to be top of the list with a huge 80% saying that they want to take a winter break this year.

When asked which they would most look forward to between now and the end of the year, travel narrowly won out over tradition with 35% electing for a break away over the excitement of Christmas (34%).

Winter Away

City breaks (34%) and winter sun holidays (32%) are the most desired types of breaks although there are some opposing views amongst the age groups. City breaks prove most popular amongst 16 – 24 year olds (41%), young working professionals aged 25 – 34 are seeking transatlantic adventure (23%) and winter sun is the priority for those over the age of 55 (45%).

Overall, the Aer Lingus destinations that Irish people most wish to visit this winter are New York (18%), Florida (7%), Malaga (6%), Faro (6%) and Barcelona (5%).

Happiness is…

According to the Aer Lingus research, just thinking about booking a holiday makes Irish people feel happy and excited (46%) and being on the holiday itself is a happy moment for more than half of respondents (51%), proving a strong correlation between winter breaks and positive frame of mind.

Post-holiday, reminiscing with those they travelled with was a happy occasion for half of Irish adults (49%) and the associated bragging rights to family and friends once back on Irish soil also created a lasting afterglow for 45%.

Research conducted by Amárach Research on behalf of Aer Lingus in August 2017 amongst a nationally representative sample of adults in Ireland aged 16+, 49% male and 51% female. The research supported Aer Lingus' campaign for a #HappyWinterFor details visit aerlingus.com

Our Insights

Banking on Apple (and Google and Amazon)

17 Jun 2017

The world of banking will be disrupted in the coming years. As often in the case of disruption, it is new entrants from outside the industry who pose the greatest 'threat' to incumbents....

GDPR And You

17 Jun 2017

Today marks one year until the introduction of the EU’s substantial overhaul of data protection laws, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) but only 14% of Irish SMEs have begun getting ready, according to...